Tag Archives: … …

With all the news coverage of the US government “shutdown” you would think the sky is falling. In truth about 85% of the US Federal government is still operating normally. I think we would do well to remember that private citizens are what keep everything going, and that government should serve our needs, not the other way around.

We still have to get up and go to work in the morning, pay our bills, take care of our families, and all the other things that life involves on a daily basis. So it goes with health as well. We are the stewards of our own health, and if we do not take care of ourselves, no “healthcare plan” whether private or government run will matter.

#~#~#

Our health is in OUR hands. Always remember that, and you will go a long way towards making sure that you have the health to enjoy your life fully and for a long time! One of the most important aspects of health is how your colon (also called the gut) functions.

Since certain neurotransmitters are actually made in your intestinal tract, “gut health” can affect your emotions, and thinking as well as how you physically feel. So as you can see it’s vitally important to have it functioning optimally!

There are several things we need to get this right. One is the right type and amount of fiber, and the other is probiotic bacteria. Click on the links below to check out my web pages on these two topics.

Health of your stomach and colon is the key to overall health for several reasons. You need to absorb and assimilate your food for the nutrients your body needs. If your GI tract isn’t healthy, you can get needed nutrients from your foods.

The longer the “transit time” it takes for waste to exit the colon, the longer you are exposed to toxins that can create cancerous conditions in the body. Think about it, you wouldn’t keep your garbage in your kitchen for months, you would throw it out as soon as possible, because keeping it around is unsanitary.

The same can be said for eliminating waste from your body. It needs to happen every day, and be as complete as possible. An adequate amount of both soluble and insoluble fiber is essential to this process.

An example of insoluble fiber is Psyllium seed husks. These absorb water and provide a “bulking” effect to waste in the colon.

An example of soluble fiber is fruit like apples which also assist in elimination though stimulation of peristalsis (the process of moving the bowels). By the way, the bowels should be moved at least once per day if not more.

I have heard doctors tell their patients that this is not important. In the case of one gentleman I know, his doctor told him that a bowel movement every few days was “normal” for him. This is incredibly bad medical advice.

I have had good luck with just plain Psyllium husks in water, but of course your experience may be different. Whole grains like oat groats, quinoa, or ground flaxseeds can help provide the fiber that’s beneficial to the colon.

Another factor that’s important is the bacteria that is found in the colon. If it’s the normal beneficial bacteria then you will have normal bowel function, and neither be constipated or suffer from diarrhea.

You can get this beneficial bacteria either from probiotic supplements or dairy products like yogurt or kefir. Commercial yogurts and kefirs lose much of their benefit from pasteurization. While I think the dangers of unpasteurized products are overblown, I can’t advise you to consume them for reasons of liability.

It’s safest to use a probiotic supplement or fermented dairy products as your probiotic source. Those of you who get my newsletter know that I am an advocate of the blood type diet.

When you buy these fermented dairy products, look for ones that advertise that they contain “live cultures.” This indicates they will have sufficient bacteria to be of help to you. Avoid products that contain a lot of sugar, or artificial sweeteners for obvious reasons.

Look for a live-cultured plain yogurt, preferably made from goat milk or a pasture raised cow’s milk. For kefir, the same rules follow. Plain and unsweetened is best, and you can add some berries for natural sweetening to the yogurt or kefir.

Probiotic bacteria is specific to blood type and in the near future I will be delving int that with some specific recommendations. Let’s suffice it to say that for all intents and purposes, the right probiotic foods and supplements for your blood type will result in a normally functioning colon and regular bowel movements.

So if what you are doing results in normal function, then you pretty much have it right!

#~#~#

Now I have something very cool to share with all of you…

Barbara Streisand is possibly the most talented performer that ever graced a stage in any time period. Yes I know that is quite an accolade, but I believe it is well earned.

There is a full concert by the incomparable Barbara Streisand on Youtube, and here is the link: